Pre-stressed spinal stabilization system

Abstract

A spinal stabilization system, including a spinal implant having an elongate polymer body; a wire embedded in the body, the wire straining the polymer body; and a mounting element coupled to the elongate polymer body to facilitate engagement of the body to a spinal segment; and an orthopedic anchor having a threaded shaft; a head coupled to the threaded shaft, the head defining a cavity therein; a prosthesis coupling element at least partially disposed in the cavity and movable with respect to the head; and at least one asymmetrical ring circumscribing a portion of the prosthesis coupling element.

1 . A spinal implant, comprising:
 an elongate polymer body;   a wire embedded in the body, the wire straining the polymer body; and   a mounting element coupled to the elongate polymer body to facilitate engagement of the body to a spinal segment.   
     
     
         2 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the wire is metallic. 
     
     
         3 . The implant of  claim 2 , wherein the wire is constructed from at least one of Nitinol, cobalt, stainless steel, or titanium. 
     
     
         4 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer body is constructed from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). 
     
     
         5 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the wire has a substantially circular cross-section. 
     
     
         6 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the wire has a substantially rectangular cross-section. 
     
     
         7 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the wire compresses at least a portion of the polymer body. 
     
     
         8 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate polymer body has an arcuate shape. 
     
     
         9 . The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting element defines an aperture therethrough for engaging an orthopedic anchor. 
     
     
         10 . An orthopedic anchor, comprising:
 a threaded shaft;   a head coupled to the threaded shaft, the head defining a cavity therein;   a prosthesis coupling element at least partially disposed in the cavity and movable with respect to the head; and   at least one asymmetrical ring circumscribing a portion of the prosthesis coupling element.   
     
     
         11 . The anchor of  claim 10 , further comprising a cap securing the prosthesis coupling element to the head. 
     
     
         12 . The anchor of  claim 10 , wherein the prosthesis coupling element defines an elongated threaded portion extending from the head. 
     
     
         13 . The anchor of  claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of asymmetrical rings circumscribing a portion of the prosthesis coupling element. 
     
     
         14 . The anchor of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the asymmetrical rings defines a first surface having an asymmetrical curvature. 
     
     
         15 . The anchor of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the asymmetrical rings defines a varying thickness. 
     
     
         16 . The anchor of  claim 10 , wherein the prosthesis coupling element is movable between approximately 0.001 inches and 0.010 inches from a centerline longitudinal axis defined by the head. 
     
     
         17 . A method of manufacturing a spinal implant, comprising:
 applying a force to a wire;   coupling a polymer to the wire through at least one of extrusion or injection molding processes;   awaiting a time duration for the polymer to at least partially cure; and   removing the force from the wire.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the applied force is between approximately 30% and 80% of an ultimate tensile strength of the wire. 
     
     
         19 . A method of manufacturing a spinal implant, comprising:
 inserting a wire into a substantially cured polymer body;   applying a force to the wire;   introducing a substantially uncured polymer onto the substantially cured polymer body;   awaiting a time duration for the substantially uncured polymer to at least partially cure; and   removing the force from the wire.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein introducing the substantially uncured polymer onto the substantially cured polymer body includes overmolding the substantially uncured polymer onto the substantially cured polymer body.